Antenatal Classes

[nat_84]

Me and my fella are attending our first (of four) antenatal class this evening. Completely unaware of what to expect (!!) etc....

Can anyone enlighten me at all?

Oh and for anyone who cares i had a Growth Scan on Wednesday and baby is back to the "average" size! She's caught up in every aspect, but still has a slightly lower abdomincal circumference (which is fine apparently). She was estimated at weighing 4.4lbs (in comparison to 1.4 lbs last time she was measured!) So chuffed to bits :o)

(Would have posted this in pregnancy but not that many people read that section on a regular basis!)

nat xxx

[B00]

Hiya nat, I never went to any with Mini Boo as my experience with the one I attended when pregnant with teen Boo still haunts me......

We all had to wear name badges, and stand up in turn and tell everyone else that "...my name is......, and this is my 1st baby" etc.....it was awful. Then later on when it was Q&A time, someone asked the midwife/HV what their opinions were of baby slings, to which she said she didn't like them, thought them dangerous as she knew a woman who whilst wearing one leant into the freezer section at Asda and the baby fell in. To my mortification I burst out laughing, and everyone else looked at like I'd personally murdered a baby right there in front of them.

needless to say i didn't go to anymore.

[nat_84]

lmao - that did make me laugh!! I hope my "classmates" will be slightly more lighthearted than that!

Sounds like attending an AA class.... :oS

"My names Natalie and i'm an alcoholic.., I've been drinking for several years now and i've bought my partner along for support....." (that may well have been the case had a not become pregnant!!lol)

[redcrx]

we had a morning session rather than a few classes.

We watched a birthing video and sat and discussed the pros and cons of various pain relief. I cant recall much else apart from being told that if we were in true labour to take a certain route to hospital because it was the bumpiest road and got things moving lol

None of that stuff you see on tv was in it so no lying around on cushions pretending to pant.

[redcrx]

oh and thats great news about the growth scan hun x

[nat_84]

lol - was thinking about my route to hospital especially considering we're moving house!!

[bigmamma]

Hi nat :-)
When I did pre-natal classes they covered issues concerning preparation for the birth. Excersises to prepare the muscles for birth and after. The role the partner can take in support both mentally and physically to help at the birth.Birth position options , and pain relief options discussed , as well as breathing through the contractions practice. Plus opportunity for questions you or your partner may have . :-) xx

[raysparx1]

Hi nat, no good asking me, long time since me and mrs sparx had babies, but just wanted to say, great news about baby, and to wish you good luck with the rest of your baby growing stint xx

[redcrx]

a bumpy route there, unless at pushing stage lol

but make sure you plane a smooth road home, I came home on the bumpy road and to say it was painful is an understatement lol

so youve got a new house lined up now?

[OBonio]

We were similar to redcrx. A full day* of being told stuff we already knew basically instead of a number of classes. We discussed pain relief and when we should go to the hospital (not until contractions are every few minutes and last more than a minute... is it?)..

I'm sure they plugged 'breast is best' campaign and we also got a talk from a student mid wife about how hard it is for them to qualify because they need to perform a certain number of deliveries and parents to be don't let them.

* - It was FA Cup day so we were hoofed out early so they could watch it.

[redcrx]

if you are offered try and go on an arranged tour of the maternity and delivery wards as well. They are very imformative and will give you an idea of what to expect whilst there.

[nat_84]

Thanks guys and girls - your experiences help!!

Supposed to go on from 6.30-9.00!! Surely it can't last that long!!!! Bloody hope it doesnt....!!

redcrx we've put an offer in to rent a place but it's �50 below the asking price - so just gonna see what happens. No rush to rent anywhere really. End of July would mean we'd have more time to save more dosh!! If we got this place (which is lovely!! Lovely area (Pinner) has no garden but is directly opposite this beautiful park with a pond, ducks, childrens play area and the full works!).

[nat_84]

we're gonna view the materniy ward soon - just have to pop in at a certain time!

[redcrx]

hope you get the place, sounds nice if right opposite a park as well.

[nat_84]

yeah would be ideal - meant end of June would be ideal - end of July would be a bloody nightmare lol).

Sad to waste so much money though :O( oh well has to be done for the time being!!

[bigmamma]

the tour of the maternity delivery suite will be fun for you , everything on offer including the comfy chairs and beanbags , wallpapered rooms , adjustable beds , the stirrups , and the birthing pool room . :-) xx

[nat_84]

think the last thing i'll be thinking about is the wallpaper when i'm about to give birth to a baby!! lol.

No seriously, i am looking forward to seeing the wards - just for a piece of mind!

[oopsydoopsy]

If you learn nothing else nat, listen and take great note of the advice about post natal pelvic floor exercises!!

[nat_84]

yes oopsy - i've read about them in all my birth books! So i do as many as i can and when i remember! lol.

[bigmamma]

good girl nat :-) xx

[sallywebb]

Good luck nat, Hope you are keeping well, Pinner, what a lovely area to live in. xx